Ezio Cerruti 'Macfol' Vino Bianco 2021 is a profound, paradigm-shifting expression of skin-contact Moscato Bianco crafted by natural wine iconoclast Ezio Cerruti. Located in the steep hillsides of Castiglione Tinella—a commune on the border of Asti and the Langhe—Cerruti acts as an organic island in a region dominated by industrial, large-scale Asti Spumante farming. Sourced from old estate vines up to 60 years old perched at 400 meters of elevation, the fruit is grown under a strict biodynamic and regenerative philosophy. In the cellar, this dry orange wine undergoes spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in concrete vats, where it macerates on the skins for a full two weeks. It is then pressed off to mature for two years in large, old wooden casks, resulting in a tiny, highly allocated production of roughly 300 cases that is bottled completely unfined, unfiltered, and with minimal sulfur.

Pouring a brilliant, luminous shade of gold, the 2021 vintage completely redefines what is typically expected from the aromatic Moscato grape. The nose is remarkably complex and whistle-clean, opening with exotic aromas of dried apricot, tangerine peel, and spring blossoms, which quickly evolve into savory undertones of menthol, wild sage, and sweet spice. On the palate, the wine delivers a striking tension between its intensely perfume-driven aromatics and its bone-dry, structural reality. A lively vein of acidity slices through the mid-palate, while the two weeks of skin contact provide a framework of fine-grained, chalky tannins and a saline, mineral depth. Devoid of any heavy or cloying traits, this skin-ferment white finishes with a crisp, refreshing, and beautifully textured grip, making it a highly compelling alternative to northern Italian orange wines or gravity-defying skin-contact whites.